Ever stared at your property tax bill in Broward and wondered why the "School Board" line looks so beefy? You aren't alone. Local politics is usually pretty dry, but when it touches the wallet, people start paying attention. We’re talking about Broward County Referendum 1, a measure that basically dictates how much of your hard-earned cash goes into the pockets of teachers and the security of our local schools.
It's a bit of a saga. Honestly, keeping track of millage rates and "ad valorem" taxes is enough to make anyone’s head spin. But if you live in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, or anywhere else in the county, this specific referendum is the reason your local teacher might be able to afford their rent this month.
The Big Shift: From 0.5 to 1.0 Mill
Basically, back in 2018, voters approved a "half-mill" tax. It was a start. But by 2022, the school district realized that half a mill wasn't cutting it anymore, especially with neighboring counties like Palm Beach and Miami-Dade upping their game.
So, Referendum 1 was put on the ballot to double that investment. We went from 0.5 mills to a full 1.0 mill.
What does that look like in real life? Imagine your home has a taxable value of $300,000. Under the old rules, you paid $150. Now, you're looking at $300 a year. It's not a small jump. For the average homeowner, it works out to roughly $26 a month. That’s a couple of fancy coffees or a streaming subscription.
Where is the Money Actually Going?
The School Board didn't just ask for a blank check. They laid out a very specific "pie chart" of where this money lands. If you’re skeptical of government spending—and who isn't?—here is the breakdown:
- 75% for Teacher and Staff Compensation: This is the big one. It’s used for "referendum supplements." It means a teacher with 15+ years of experience can get an extra $12,000 a year on top of their base pay. Without this, Broward would lose its best educators to higher-paying districts nearby.
- 17% for School Safety: This funds more than 500 school resource officers (SROs) and security staff. It’s the "boots on the ground" for school protection.
- 8% for Mental Health: This pays for about 100 mental health professionals. In a post-Parkland world, this is arguably the most critical slice of the pie.
The Charter School Controversy
There was a lot of noise about whether charter schools should get a piece of this. New Florida laws basically forced the issue. Now, about 20% of these funds have to be shared with charter schools based on their enrollment numbers. Some people hate this; others think it’s only fair since charter students are still Broward students. Regardless of where you stand, it's the law now.
Why Does This Matter Right Now?
We are currently in the middle of the "collection period." This referendum isn't a permanent tax—it's a four-year commitment. It started on July 1, 2023, and it’s set to run through June 30, 2027.
If you've noticed your tax bill staying relatively steady or ticking up slightly in 2025 and 2026, Referendum 1 is a major factor. The county government might keep their rates the same, but the School Board’s "voted millage" is what usually moves the needle.
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The "Save Our Homes" Buffer
Don't forget the "Save Our Homes" cap. Even if the school district wants more money, the assessed value of your homesteaded property can’t jump more than 3% in a year. This protects long-term residents from getting priced out by tax hikes. However, if you just bought a house in Broward in 2025, you’re likely paying the full "unmasked" tax rate, which makes Referendum 1 feel a lot heavier.
Comparing Broward to the Neighbors
You've gotta look at the competition. Palm Beach County has been at 1.0 mill for a while. Miami-Dade also moved to 1.0 mill. If Broward had stayed at 0.5, teachers would have literally crossed the county line for a $5,000 to $10,000 raise. It’s a bidding war for talent, and Referendum 1 is Broward’s way of staying in the game.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that this money goes toward building new schools or fixing leaky roofs. It does not. That’s what the SMART Bond is for. Referendum 1 is for people, not pipes. It pays for salaries and services. If a school needs a new HVAC system, that comes from a different pot of money entirely.
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Check Your Own Bill
If you want to see exactly what you're contributing, go to the Broward County Property Appraiser's website. Look for the "voted millage" section. You'll see the 1.0000 millage rate listed right there. It’s transparent, even if it's painful to look at.
Actionable Steps for Broward Residents
- Verify your Homestead Exemption: If you haven't filed for this, you're overpaying. It won't lower the millage rate, but it lowers the taxable value the rate is applied to.
- Monitor the Negotiations: The Broward Teachers Union (BTU) and the District negotiate how those salary supplements are distributed every year. If you have kids in school, these talks affect which teachers stay and which ones leave.
- Watch the 2026/2027 Calendar: Since this tax expires in mid-2027, expect a new referendum to pop up on your ballot in late 2026. The district will almost certainly ask to renew it. Decide now if you've seen enough "return on investment" in school safety and teacher retention to vote yes again.
- Attend School Board Workshops: Most people just complain on Facebook. If you actually want to see the line-item spending for the 8% mental health allocation, these public meetings are where the real data is shared.